Effective January 1, 2026, Minnesota law will require employers to provide a 30-minute meal break for employees working six or more consecutive hours, which may be unpaid. The law also mandates paid rest breaks of at least 15 minutes every four hours, with additional time for restroom use. Non-compliance can result in penalties, including back wages and liquidated damages equal to the amount of wages earned during the missed break.
Meal breaks
- Requirement: A 30-minute meal break must be provided to employees who work six or more consecutive hours.
- Compensation: The meal break is not required to be paid.
- Employer discretion: Employers may require employees to remain on-site during this unpaid break.
Rest breaks
- Requirement: Employees are entitled to a 15-minute paid rest break for every four hours of work.
- Restroom access: Additional time must be provided for restroom breaks, based on the time required to reach the nearest restroom.
- Compensation: Rest breaks are paid.
Penalties for non-compliance
- Damages: Employers who fail to provide required breaks may be liable for an amount equal to twice the wages earned during the missed break time.
- Calculation: This includes the wages the employee should have earned and an equal amount as liquidated damages.
Important considerations
- Effective date: These new rules take effect on January 1, 2026.
- Scope: The laws apply to employees as defined by the Minnesota Fair Labor Standards Act.
- Collective bargaining agreements: The new rules do not apply to collective bargaining agreements that provide for different meal and rest periods.
